Thoughts on the Gospel of John (186) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here. Pilate therefore said to Him, are You a king then? For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.
John 18:36–37

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (186)
The Apostle Paul writes of “Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate” (1 Timothy 6:13). He is referring to the trial before the Roman governor, which is described in most detail by the evangelist John. Let us see how the details of this good confession emerge here.

Jesus has a kingdom! What a bold statement in the presence of a man who represented the greatest earthly power then in existence. But Jesus’ kingdom is not like the states of this world, nor does it derive its majesty and power “from here”. His kingdom receives all its authority and power from heaven – it has a heavenly character.

The Lord has declared elsewhere that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (cf. John 3:3). Whoever unconditionally recognises the authority of God and believes in the Son of God enters the kingdom of God.

What a special king Jesus is! He has an eternal existence. Long before His birth, it was determined what mission He was to fulfil here on earth, namely, to bear witness to the truth. But the Son of God not only spoke about truth: He Himself is truth (cf. ch. 14:6). He made manifest the manner in which God sees things. He personally is the standard against which everything is measured.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Genesis 16:1-16 · 2 Peter 3:11-18